Israel rejects Trump’s Gaza plan, signals the unilateral strikes on Iran remain on table

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Netanyahu confirmed Saturday that his government had formally declined the latest draft proposed by President Donald Trump, instead submitting a set of counter-proposals that prioritize Israel’s security requirements over the proposed timeline for troop withdrawal.

"We will remain in our positions until the total disarmament of Hamas is achieved," a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.

The rejection comes amid mounting regional tensions and reports that Israel is preparing for potential unilateral military action against Iran. During a recent visit to Israel by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper, Israeli officials reportedly indicated that Tel Aviv reserves the right to resume operations against Tehran if it determines that further action is necessary to ensure its national security.

Analysts note that the rift over the Gaza proposal underscores a growing divergence between Washington’s push for a diplomatic off-ramp and Israel’s "maximalist" security strategy.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire, military sources suggest that both Israel and the United States have maintained contingency plans for renewed strikes against Iranian targets. The developments signal that the fragile calm in the region remains under significant strain, as both the conflict in Gaza and the broader standoff with Iran remain unresolved.

GAROWE ONLINE